Techniques, results and complications of oesophageal dilatation.

The scope of therapeutic endoscopy, especially in the context of oesophageal dilatation, has greatly expanded in recent years. In this chapter we have described the currently used wire-guided systems and their dilatation technique. This technique can be used with most dilatation instrumentation now on the market. Perforation, the major risk of dilatation, is now rare (0.22% out of 909 dilatations with Savary-Gilliard bougies). Finally, we have presented the results of our own comparative studies for the Eder-Puestow, Savary Gilliard and Biomed systems and those of other authors for systems with which we have had no experience. In our opinion Savary-Gilliard bougies are the best, not only because of their greater flexibility and progressivity but also because of the improved safety tip of the guide wire.